2021 saw the highest number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County since data-tracking began in 2006. 

According to the county, 339 people died from heat-related issues. Though numbers have been increasing since 2014, the pandemic has seen a sharp increase in the trend. 

The majority of the heat-related deaths occurred outside, with 130 being people who were experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Nick Staab is with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. 

“Your risk for heat related illness  and death is really much higher if you don’t have access to resources. And many of those individuals who are living with homelessness just don’t.” He said. 

Staab added the county is working to provide a heat-relief network that has partnerships and locations all over the Valley.